Brazil: Situation critical as fires continue

Friday, 1 November 2019 13:22

Massive wildfires spanning 50 kilometers continue to burn across Southern Brazil.

They're advancing across the Pantanal wetlands, with at least 50,000 hectares destroyed so far.

It's considered to be one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

The governor's office has called the situation "critical".

The fire started on October 25th and has been fueled by hot weather and strong winds.

According to official figures more than 167,000 forest fires have been recorded between January and October 30th this year.

More from International News

Japan's record rains strand thousands at Narita airport; kill eight

Record rainfall in Japan stranded thousands of travellers at Tokyo's Narita airport on Friday, bringing floods to the surrounding area that disrupted transport, knocked out power to 20,000 homes and killed eight.
Air India A320 briefly lost key flight controls, Airbus analysis shows

An Air India Airbus dropped about 300 feet this month, injuring 24 people on board, after the aircraft registered a loss of hydraulic pressure that briefly left key flight controls unresponsive, according to a preliminary Airbus analysis reviewed by Reuters.
Philippine president says he has yet to decide who to back as successor

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed on Friday that he would endorse a candidate for the 2028 presidential election, but said he had yet to decide who he would back.
Wildfire descends on Croatian tourist town, injures 36

A wildfire in Croatia driven by strong winds descended on the tourist town of Omis overnight, engulfing houses, forcing about 1,000 people to evacuate and injuring dozens, fire brigade and health officials said on Friday.